This chapter recaps the journey of the Israelites when the LORD God delivered them from their enslavement in Egypt in miraculous and at times fearsome ways. The LORD God went before them in the pillar of fire or cloud leading them through the desert to bring about their readiness to enter the promised land. He feed them with manna and quail, made water to flow from rocks where there was no flowing water before. At Sinai, He covenanted with them to be their God and they His people. Over forty years the people who came out of Egypt died in the wilderness as God had said would occur because of their unbelief. This new generation would be the ones who enter the land promised under Joshua and Caleb's leadership.
Aaron had died on Mt. Hor when God had called him up the mountain to breathe his last. Now, encamped east of the Jordan River in Moab, God tells Moses to instruct the people to drive the people out of the land completely, to destroy all items involved in idol worship. He also warns them that if they do not do these things, the people they allowed to remain would be a source of vexation to them as long as the Israelites occupied the land. God also said that if they fall into the same idolatry as those they drive out, then God will drive them out of the land also.
God did not give a lengthy speech to these people here. he was very concise and pointed in His instructions. What He wanted the people to do was very plain. Yet, God knew that the people will not follow his commands fully. And He especially knew that the Israelites would repeatedly turn to idolatry, divination, witchcraft, and sorcery over the time He allows them to possess the land. Even so, He puts forth His commands and that is that!
The Israelites are so, so close to receiving the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham. They have encountered the LORD God in amazing ways that should have burned into their hearts the worthiness of God who they are to worship alone. How many will stay true?
It pays to obey the Lord for every word spoken by God must surely come to pass. I hope we learn from the mistake of the Israelites in failing to drive out all the Canaanites as they are now facing the result of that singular mistake. May God give us the grace to obey Him to the letter.
How everlastingly true is the word of God! In Numbers 33: 55, He warned the Israelites "...then it shall come to pass, that those which ye remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell." Today, this is happening in the Holy Land of Israel which is witnessing scanty peace.
Bradley; Yes, that's correct. If you don't have already, it will be a GREAT help to you, to get a Strong's Concordance, and a good hardbound Webster's Collegiate Dictionary: some basic reference tools, that will make things so much fun and interesting, while you look up the meanings of the words; for much of the language used in the Bible is simply not used in our modern world. The Lord bless you.
Is anyone able to breakdown the numbering method they use? For example, they say threescore and ten palm trees which I understand as 70. Since threescore is 60 and add ten, you get 70. Is this how others understand it?
this verse is an incredible prophesy that we can testify any day in modern times just reading the news and watching TV. because they didn 't drive out all the inhabitants of the land they are being attack by home made bombs pricks in yer eyes and thorn in your sides, and vexed in the land where you dwell..!
Aaron had died on Mt. Hor when God had called him up the mountain to breathe his last. Now, encamped east of the Jordan River in Moab, God tells Moses to instruct the people to drive the people out of the land completely, to destroy all items involved in idol worship. He also warns them that if they do not do these things, the people they allowed to remain would be a source of vexation to them as long as the Israelites occupied the land. God also said that if they fall into the same idolatry as those they drive out, then God will drive them out of the land also.
God did not give a lengthy speech to these people here. he was very concise and pointed in His instructions. What He wanted the people to do was very plain. Yet, God knew that the people will not follow his commands fully. And He especially knew that the Israelites would repeatedly turn to idolatry, divination, witchcraft, and sorcery over the time He allows them to possess the land. Even so, He puts forth His commands and that is that!
The Israelites are so, so close to receiving the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham. They have encountered the LORD God in amazing ways that should have burned into their hearts the worthiness of God who they are to worship alone. How many will stay true?
Just love the peace that comes from reading and hearing the living word from the kJ
Plus the real difference I find in meeting those who know the difference between a Holy bible and a gnostic
In numbers 33.8 it says ....and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness.
Is this word sea referencing water of the Red Sea as it is further in verse 10 it speaks of the Red Sea.
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